NORTH VANCOUVER – A
celebration event at CapilanoUniversity welcomed Peter
Ufford,
the first chancellor for the newly designated university, helping fulfil
government’s commitment to expand the public university system and provide B.C.
students with more choices closer to home.

“Capilano’s new role as a
university will enhance their service to the community, a role they have
nurtured since 1968,” said Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and
labour Market Development. “Likewise, Peter Ufford has had a distinguished
career serving the academic community, and I have no doubt his efforts will
continue in his new position as chancellor of CapilanoUniversity.”

Ufford’s academic career has
included extensive work at the University
of British Columbia,
including as vice-president of external affairs and business relations. He is
also a Canadian Olympic committee member, and a director of Wall Financial
Corp, the Terminal City Club, and the Rick Hansen Foundation.

“Government committed to expanding our public university
system, and today’s event shows that we are delivering on that promise,” said
North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Daniel Jarvis. “Since 2001, government has made
significant investments in capital
projects at public post-secondary institutions, including over $3.4 million
right here at Capilano.”

“This is welcome news for students living in the NorthShore
community,” said North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Katherine Whittred. “With its new
status, Capilano will help many residents receive a quality university degree
closer to home.”

“Capilano has been a great asset to our communities for
over 40 years,” noted West Vancouver-Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre. “And I am
confident they will continue to serve our community by providing more choices
and better access to a post-secondary education for many years to come.”

“Not only are we increasing access
to public universities, we are also creating new opportunities for students to
minimize their carbon footprint,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph
Sultan. “A university closer to home means less travel, less carbon emissions,
and a healthier environment for residents and all British Columbians.”

As part of government’s commitment to advanced education, CapilanoUniversity and four other institutions
were granted university status effective Sept. 1, 2008, expanding B.C.’s public
university system.

Since 2001,
government has also increased operating funding for Capilano by $5.8 million or
19.6 per cent and across all public post-secondary institutions by 32 per cent,
rising to a record high $1.65 billion for 2008-09, and invested $1.5 billion for capital expansion at public
post-secondary institutions, providing British Columbians with access to
more options for advanced education.

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Media

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Chambers

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Director

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250 361-7241 (cell)

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